Presentations given at the opening gave a sense of the breadth and the depth and the passion of the ideas that will be sharing this week, said an Aspen institute executive.
Feeling EUROPE attended "The Good, The Bad, The Ugly: Faith and the Death of God" from The 'Big Ideas' series. Should we distinguish good faith from bad faith, and if so, how? Why do we see the resurgence of religion? What might be the consequences, and what does it tell us about fate and destiny of man?
A lecture by and conversation with ethicist Rob Riemen, founding father and director of the NEXUS Institute in the Netherlands, a high ranked institute that moves deeply within cultural and philosophical fields.
The lecture was about faith, the oldest but also a complex idea. Times wherein no human values, such as dignity and law, were present.
'I wish to be a human being'. Think how and why.
During the lecture, amoung other philosophers, Nietzsche's (what makes life worth to live?), Wittgenstein's, Spinoza's and Goethe's thoughts were quoted. Also Moses and the book of Job was raised.
From importance is to believe in immaterial values. IT IS NOT ABOUT WHAT WE HAVE, BUT WHAT WE ARE. If we accept our responsibility, then we probably can possess 'Nobility of Spirit', the quintessence of a civilized world. Without that spirit culture vanishes. So, explore the quest for the good society in our own age. 
Very special was an extra invitation to join a group of people and Rob Riemen to celebrate and signing his new book. |
Thursday 3th kick off second track:
In the morning `The Presidency and the Constitution`, later `Ice on the Run` with James Balog from EIS. The rather fast going melt down is the problem and CO2 is now higher then ever been before. Temperature and sealevel are both rising. It is not only a matter of perception and of psychological matter, but also an economical and political issue. |
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| An evening on India` with Swami Parthasarathy: `Vendanta, the Wisdom of India` and the second part `Where is India going in the 21st Century`?
Motivations in life: acquisitions and enjoyment.
Very philosophical is`CAN I BE OF RECEIVE?`
In reaching self realisation, one should first withdraw, then concentrate and finally meditate |
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| Next the special event 'An Afternoon of Conversation'.
Themes: |
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The third theme was called `Ideas that are shaping the Future` with Dean Kamen, an inventor, entrepreneur and a tireless advocate for science and technology, and went about believes in technology.
- Hot, Flat and Crowded` by Thomas Friedman, Pulitzer Prize winning author and columnist for the New York Times, came in for turn. His presence was related on his new book. A chapter is devoted to declining democracy;
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- Anna Deavere Smith spoke about `Green for All': we have to break with oil and follow a green economy;
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Kay Ryan shared her views on trail, failure, politics, and power during the 2008 Ideas Festival afternoon of conversation in the Benedict Music Tent.
Two weeks later, she was named the poet laureate of the United States.
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Colin Powell closed the special event. The talk went about Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iran and transatlantic relations.
The theme was called `Building Consensus on US Foreign Policy' ( 2 , 3 , 4)
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Finally a speech by Peter J. Gomes: († February 28, 2011) take care of a framework. We need justice
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It's a horserace between the two candidates (45% versus 42%). Economy is a top issue and there is a desire for change, but a doubt for Obama. Patriottism is a feeling, a value, a virtue, no concept. What survived is a (constitutional) liberal democracy
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`The Power of Words' in the 'Belly Up'. 'Whe should nothing take for granted.' Make the world safe for democracy'. 'Mind the erosion of freedom'. 'The voice is the instrument'. |
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July 4th Friday: Independence day began at 6pm with some gunshots. The first session started at 8pm:
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`Morality and American Foreign Policy: A History` by Ted Widmer, director of the John Carter Brown Library at Brown University, one of America's premier centers for research into early American history. Clear insight was given in American history (the Declaration of Independence) and its aspirations. 1919 Was very important in history. Also the value of freedom (of speech, religion, ..) was underlined and the developments in the Western Balkans were cited.
In the meantime my brain likes an unorganised unsorted database, but I am sure that will be solved. Some rest, analyzing and logic thinking helps to make my chaotic notes clarify. But nevertheless, here we go.
11 Sessions were attendend today. Furthermore also the reception for the second track attendees was visited.
One thing is remarkable: there is hardly EUROPA on the campus of the Aspen Institute. Only the presence of an security-expert from the Councel of Europe and ethicus Riemen for reflection on European culture was noticed. Both very important presenters, but more information and knowledge about Europe would be still very useful. The whole day was overwhelming:
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`The International Power and Potential of the Arts` (Americans are multicultural people, responsibility and an enormous power). `Why India Matters` (Underling of the strength of the country). `Who
am I?` Human beings has a tremendous advantage on animals, but no college, no knowledge. How to manage your neighbour and yourself? The Global War on Terror: is America Fighting the Right War?` (stop calling it a war on, challenge of Israel, mentioning briefly history of Islam ideology and embracing new strategies). `The MySpace and Facebook Phenomena` ('I facedbook my mom' and 'it is my space, but it is public, but it is my space') `Education for Democracy` by Thomas Ehrlich: political education, solo skills and attitude. Be open to yourself to open the mind. What efforts of leadership does look like. Classic reflections. Morality. There is no single approach, thank goodness. Understanding the values of democracy
`Will Biofuels Starve Us or Save Us?`
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`How: The Source of Sustainable Differentation and Success in the 21st Century`, a special session within concurrent tutorials. 'Human beings, not human doings'. 'What character is to an individual, is culture to an organization'.
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It's about rules and values and it starts with you. Perspective is critical. Leaders should pursue also significance,
not just success.
At the end a focus on human endeavor: extend trust, embrace transparancy, innovate in how,
live your values and inspire others. In other words: OUTBEHAVE!
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July 5th, Saturday: 10 sessions:
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`Confrontating the Food Crisis` Facts: prices up last few months. Causes short supplies, weather, energy prices and demand. Investments to be needed. By transport about 40% was lost. The problem is also (the) protection by countries and increasing of population. There is some hope: 2 or 3 African countries are doing something. Markets need help and it has become a global issue (the lack of or the will of goverments, linking together, also to fight against corruption)
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`The Future of the Global Corporation`. There are lot of opportunities to grow. Think of results with Malaysa, Colombia and seen from 1998 with Sudan. Education, economy and loyalty are keywords.
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'Learning in the 21st Century: Are Digital Media Our Kid's Future? (from the Net Generation)
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'Legal, Judicial and Intellegence Aspects of the War on Terror as Seen Abroad`
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The Beijing Games` (with Harrison Dillard).
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The economics (Greece' GDP deficit, but also chances: benefit for companies). Boycot and citizenship phenomena.
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Governance and Globalisation`. Change of global systems: how to improve current institutions and their mutual cooperation. Savings, tax systems and immigration in relation to workforce are issues to account with.
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Web 2.0 and Beyond´ A very great impact of life. Privacy securization. Security and espionage.
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The TOMS Shoes Story` (film)
- A Conversation with President William J. Clinton`
- `Genie In A Bottle Unleashed to Peace`.
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